// Comparison
Isomalt vs erythritolIsomalt
vs erythritol
Both are sugar alcohols used to replace sugar, and both are approved in India, the EU and the USA. They behave very differently on the line. The table below gives typical published values; the verdict says which one to reach for.
// Side by side
Isomalt vs erythritol
in numbers
Typical values from published polyol data; isomalt values from the NewTrend technical data sheet where applicable.
| Property | Isomalt (E953) | Erythritol (E968) |
|---|---|---|
| Sweetness vs sucrose | 0.45 to 0.6 | 0.6 to 0.7 |
| Energy (EU labelling) | 2.4 kcal/g as a polyol; about 2 measured | 0 kcal/g |
| Glycaemic index | 9 | About 0 |
| Moisture pick-up (hygroscopicity) | Very low | Very low |
| Melting point | 145 to 150 °C | About 121 °C |
| Cooling effect | None | Strong cooling |
| Digestive tolerance | Medium to high | Highest |
| Tooth-friendly | Yes | Yes |
| Clear hard candy | Yes, the standard base | No |
| Best for | Hard candy, lozenges, tablets, sugar art | Tabletop sweeteners, beverages, keto baking |
// Verdict
Which one
to use
01
Reach for isomalt when
You need a clear, hard, non-sticky product, a diabetic-friendly claim, a direct-compression excipient or decorations that survive humidity.
02
Reach for erythritol when
Erythritol is calorie-free and best tolerated, but it crystallises readily, has a strong cooling effect and a low melting point, so it cannot make clear hard candy or stable lozenges. Isomalt gives sugar-like body, clear glass and heat stability; erythritol gives zero calories and a crisp, cool sweetness in drinks and keto bakes.
03
Use both when
Many sugar-free ranges use isomalt for the hard formats and erythritol where its own strengths apply. Isomalt India can suggest a blend for your product.
// Questions buyers ask
Frequently asked
Is isomalt better than erythritol?
Neither is better in every case. Isomalt is the better base for clear hard candy, lozenges, tablets and sugar art and has a lower glycaemic index. Erythritol suits tabletop sweeteners, beverages, keto baking.
Can I replace erythritol with isomalt one-for-one?
By weight, yes for bulk; isomalt is less sweet than erythritol (0.45 to 0.6 vs 0.6 to 0.7 times sucrose), so add a little high-intensity sweetener to match sweetness.
Which has fewer calories, isomalt or erythritol?
Isomalt is about 2 kcal/g measured and labelled at 2.4 kcal/g as a polyol; erythritol is 0 kcal/g.